Dr. Spivak Imports Cutting Edge German Technology for Spine Repair

Dr. Carl Spivak, board-certified Neurosurgeon and specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, has returned from Germany with the latest techniques and technology. Dr. Spivak dedicates himself to keeping up with the latest innovations in spine repair and disk regeneration.

Back and neck pain is often caused by the herniation of spinal disks. Traditional methods to repair damaged disks involve a large incision and retraction of the muscle around the spine so that the disk can be removed and replaced or fused. When performed on the neck, there is even more potential for damage, as the voice box and the esophagus must be retracted as well. This can cause unpleasant side effects such as difficulty swallowing and a hoarse voice, as well as scarring. In the case of disk fusion, rather than replacement, there is potential need for future neck surgery, as the remaining disks must compensate for the missing disk and may eventually become damaged by the strain.

To avoid these and other complications, much research has been done in the realm of endoscopic and other minimally invasive techniques. Endoscopic spine surgery is a becoming a popular alternative to more invasive procedures. The pen-size endoscope is a high-definition camera that is inserted with x-ray guidance. The endoscope allows the surgeon to remove the herniated section of the disk with tiny instruments. This relieves pain and suffering with minimal tissue damage and a same day discharge.

Endoscopic spine surgery has become a popular alternative to traditional spine surgery. The endoscope is a pen-sized, high-definition video camera that is inserted into the spine under x-ray guidance. The endoscope allows the surgeon to find and remove the herniated portion of the disk under direct visualization with very tiny instruments,relieving pain and suffering. Advantages of endoscopic surgery include a tiny skin incision, minimal tissue damage and pain, quicker recovery and same-day discharge.

German doctors and research scientists have been refining and perfecting endoscopic techniques. Dr. Spivak has spent the past week meeting with them and furthering his knowledge of endoscopic spine surgery. His newly acquired knowledge of pioneering German technology will help him perform even more advanced endoscopic techniques, minimizing tissue damage and potential complications.

Upon his return from Germany, Dr. Spivak also celebrated the launch of his new Manhattan office. He will now be available at the new Manhattan location, which features an on-site surgical center.

Dr. Spivak received his medical degree from the University of Winnipeg in Canada, and continued his training at the University of Saskatchewan where he completed his residency in Neurological Surgery.

He then completed a Complex Spine and Peripheral Nerve Surgery Fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center and Minimal Invasive Spine Surgery and Interventional and Surgical Pain Management at Semmes-Murphey Neurologic and Spine Institute in Memphis, TN...Read More